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Although handbags can "make" or complete an outfit, I rarely show them on my blog. I have a very small collection -maybe 4 to 5 total- so you guys would surely get sick of seeing them! After college I purged all of my bags (many of them awkwardly-sized) and started fresh. I wanted to invest carefully in pieces that were beautiful and timeless, that were suitable for my size, and most importantly - were functional.

Video review:

1. Petite Shopping Tote (PST) 9" width x 9" height x 3" depth

Beautiful, classic tote - but for reasons mentioned in the video, is not too functional for me.

2. Wallet on Chain (WOC) - 7" length x 5" height x 1" depth

This bag wasn't even on my radar until I discovered (non-petite) Anh of9to5chic.She always looks effortlessly polished, and her WOC makes frequent appearances in outfits for all sorts of occasions. The WOC satisfies all of my requirements. It can be worn as a:

I purchased both of these pre-owned. I don't discriminate against pre-owned Chanel as long as it's in excellent condition and comes with all the original packaging (box, dustbag, tags, auth card). I have plenty of other things to spend the money saved on. The current retail price of the PST is around $1600, and the rectangular caviar WOC goes for around $1295.

Here is an oldie but goodie from Alterations Needed on the East/West and classic medium flap. I'm interested in getting a taupe or colorful small flap next, but the original small size seems hard to come by these days.

I meant to comment on your youtube video but I can't seem to figure out my youtube account for some reason (I always forget the password). Very helpful review and I love the WOC as well. I wanted to get a PST several years ago but am glad I didn't because it's sort of an awkward size for my purposes as well.

oooh, i love your Chanel bags! i've been thinking about getting a Chanel too but will need to save up for awhile before I can invest in one. great video and i liked how you gave the pros and cons of each purse.

Both bags look amazing! I love how classic Chanel looks. I've yet to own my first Chanel bag, but I'm planning for the big purchase in the coming year or two. I'm thinking of the grand shopping tote. I'm a fan of both black and beige, not sure which one I like more, but black is definitely more durable. Thanks for showing us all the details of your bags. It's hard to come by such detailed descriptions of Chanel bags! And it's sometimes intimidating to walk into the store and examine their bags one by one, if you know what I mean! haha :P

Wow, what a thorough video - I love how classic the Chanel bags are, and I'd love to invest in one classic couture piece eventually. I have a lot of random purses that I find aren't the greatest, and I should follow your lead to get something more classic.

I also have a rather small handbag collection and try to invest in quality bags that are functional, versatile, and timeless. My current "go-to" is my black leather Coach "Hailey" crossbody. I love that I can wear it as a crossbody (which is extremely comfortable and convenient) or convert it to a shoulder bag. I mostly dress very casual so it is perfect for me. :)

I really love this video Jean. Chanel is definitely on my wish list, but I've always kept my distance and haven't done any research since I don't even want to be tempted! But now I'm seriously wanting that WOC! I didn't realize how versatile it is, and I love how you can adjust the chain to so many different lengths. Do you mind sharing how much you got it for? Just so I know if it's even within a do-able price range for me, pre-owned and all.

haha i got so excited that you did a post about chanel i forgot to mention.. that i love my WOC too.. and i use to have a GST.. but sold it mostly because it was so bulky/boxy.. and heavy.. and i found it not very useful too.. so sorta similar to how you felt with the PST.

Excellent review and video! I especially loved the close-ups! Such great video quality. Both purses look so lovely with your Arty ring and dress. I think my fav would be the WOC. Like PetiteXXS said, I didn't realize how versatile it could be. After reading this review, I of course want one too :) But I have to stick to my Longchamp tote for now because I carry way too much with me.

you look immaculate jean! i love the purse and woc. i'm DYING to get a chanel, but have to save up for it. and the arty ring looks so pretty on your fingers. almost makes me rethink my choice on picking the coral :)

I have to say that the petite shopping tote isn't my favorite either. For some reason the quilted design looks larger than their other classic Chanel bags but I may be wrong ... since I don't own one. =0P I was going to mention you can sew two tiny loops on each side underneath the flap with a button to hold the straps in place. However, sewing into leather or any addition to a Chanel is probably not a good idea. My favorite go to bag is my Coach wristlet, I'm pretty much a very tiny purse carrier. I am definitely lusting for a Chanel piece! Maybe some day!

Great video! My favorite Chanel bag is my Chanel Diamond Stitch Tote. I have the large version and it's perfect for me. There is a also a smaller version. The handstraps are not too comfortable for all day wear such as for shopping, etc.

My 2nd favorite bag is my Louis Vuitton Galliera. It's so comfortable! I don't have to worry about damaging it since it's canvas. I wear it almost everyday.

Thirdly, I love my Balenciaga city. It's very casual and simple. Perfect with any outfit and great size with a zipper.

hmm the LV Neverfull in Damier is ubiquitous and even unoriginal- but it sure takes a beating! It's great for work and school-- and maybe function as a diaper bag when the day comes. I also use a Marc Jacobs Venetia in black, but not as often because it is a bit heavy for everyday use and too big for going out =P

Like Liane, Chanel has always been on my wishlist (as well as Hermes but I think Chanel is much more realistic) but I've never done any research because I wanted to avoid temptation. But seeing you, Cee, Elle, Annie, and Kelly...sigh... consider me tempted! I really like the WOC on you!

Thanks for a very informative review, Jean. You always did such a great on reviews. These pros and cons are very helpful for someone who is looking into investment pieces like Chanel. I really like the WOC on you. It's pefect for petites and also fits your lifestyle.

Yay finally watched the video! You have the classic flap too right? I would love to see a review of that. Nevermind price (I could PROBABLY afford to get a Chanel purse but I just don't have the mind frame to invest in one - at least not at the moment ;) ) but the PST wouldn't work for me due to the closure as well - I'd be too paranoid. And I carry WAY more than what the WOC would hold! I'm actually embarrassed by how much I carry in my purses! Hmmm...maybe I should come clean and do a post one day ;)

Nice review! I also use my Chanel WOC all the time. I have the classic quilted one so it looks like the mini flap. I throw it in my diaper bag or other larger bag (@mirigoround - I sometimes use my LV Neverfull as a diaper bag and it works great) and use it as a wallet when I need to change purses. And use it as a purse when I don't have much to carry. It's the best!

Ahh! Thanks for the mention! Love your classic black WOC - I'm sure it's going to be a staple for years and years to come!!! And dying over the YSL ring!! I've been holding off on the purchase by substituting cheap F21 and H&M rings!

i love that you have a small and a big one. chanel is so classic and definitely goes with everything you wear.

did you ever watch that movie...confession of a shopaholic? there's a scene with the green scarf where she goes "it makes my eyes look bigger, it makes my haircut look more expensive, ... hahaha! i can see myself saying that with a chanel bag.

loved your video! i watched it the other day and gosh, you're even prettier in motion!

let me know what questions you have about purchasing Chanel, i might be able to help! when you you mentioned you were interested in the original small flap, did you mean the Mini or the M/l? the m/l is the most popular one so i'm guessing you meant that one?

i can definitely see you getting a beige flap next. its perfectly work appropriate and just as stunning. some ppl mentioned having an issue with color transfer from their jeans but i'm sure you take great care of your bags!

do you do Bonanzle? I strongly recommend it! there aren't any spectacular deals at the moment but its only a matter of time. about a month ago, i saw a black lambskin m/l with gold hardware in absolute perfect condition, with the box, etc for only $1400. the Maxi in perfect condition was only $1700. i saw a perfect beige m/l for around $1600 as well!

Great review Jean! I never really consider all of these factors when buying a purse but I really should, especially when buying an investment piece. I love both of these bags but understand your issues with both. My favorite Chanel bag though would have to be the classic 2.55, so expensive though! I love your ring too, so cute!

@Gjee I mean the small small. I believe it's 9 inches long. I haven't seen Bonanzle..is it the smae things as Bonanaza? I'm proably just getting them confused. I'm not looking for a beige flap because knowing clumsy me I'd dirty it, but I'd love something like taupe, gray, navy or a vibrant color! : )

@Stella I looked for sellers on online site from my area, and asked if they could meet in person for me to look at the bags first.

@Curvy Petite Oh I'm so glad! Hahah they are mint because I wore them once : ) I hope you enjoy, Diane.

@Zay Hi Zay! I believe my WOC is from around 2006-2007 (I'll have to go home to be sure), but I know they don't make the same exact flap anymore. They are all now rectangular and cut straight across like you explained. If you want to find a style exactly like this one, it would have to be pre-owned on eBay or another website. Good luck in your WOC search : )

I love my classic flap, and originally I had no interest in the WOC because it seems like a classic flap wannabe. But your review has made me change my mind! It's just as versatile, and I love that it can be turned into a clutch. I think I need to check it out at the boutique tomorrow...

By the way, I wear my Chanel everywhere... The bags CAN be refinished, and caviar is pretty sturdy. I hope your PST gets some more use soon, you don't have to be so delicate with it! I personally prefer the GST as the PST is way too small on me (I am only a little taller than you)

Hi Jean- Thanks for the post. It was very helpful. I recently purchased the petite shopping tote, and it just arrived today!! I love everything about the purse except that it's too boxy that it's a little uncomfortable where my elbow touches when I wear it on my shoulder. Yours seem like it has a side crease near the open part of the purse, and I think that may help to decease the space between my waist and my arm. Can you give me some tips on making the crease on the sides?

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